Meet the candidates: Kempsey Shire Council candidates put best foot forward ahead of September 14 vote
This Mid-North Coast NSW electorate stretches from several popular holiday towns on the coast out west to Slim Dusty’s childhood home – and the candidates are just as diverse as the region.
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This year’s NSW local government elections are is just around the corner, so we’ve reached out to Kempsey Shire Council candidates to find out more about their ambitions.
The Kempsey Shire takes in idyllic coastal holiday spots like Crescent Head and South West Rocks and stretches inland west of Kempsey out to Bellbrook, close to Slim Dusty’s childhood home at Nulla Nulla.
Crime has been one hot topic in the region, while maintaining ageing infrastructure like community swimming pools has also been a talking point.
The Macleay Memorial Pool at Gladstone was given a reprieve in December last year after the Kempsey council backed down on a proposal to close it because it was deemed “unaffordable”.
Current Mayor Leo Hauville, first elected to council in 2016, will not be running again.
Voters in this electorate also vote for mayor and the candidates are profiled below:
Arthur Bain
Arthur Bain is a current Kempsey councillor, elected in late 2021, and Bellbrook resident. He has served as a volunteer in the Rural Fire Service (RFS), in environmental protection, and has experience in community development and administration.
He has been a school principal and led the Bellbrook brigade for 20 years.
Why are you running for mayor?
Mr Bain says Kempsey council is in a mess because previous councils have “given ratepayers’ money to developers and large projects overlooking the need for long term infrastructure investment”.
Mr Bain says development needs to be appropriate and affordable – building a future that uses the natural advantages of the shire with consideration for accessibility for all residents.
The most pressing issue facing Kempsey Shire, according to Mr Bain, is a lack of financial resources impacting both the council and residents.
If elected, Mr Bain plans to build relationships with newly elected councillors, as well as state and federal members. He says any practical steps will be hampered by lack of trust without cohesive relationships being formed.
Charanjit Singh Bedi
With a background as a financial co-ordinator at Macleay Options Ltd mayoral candidate Charanjit Singh Bedi says he has dedicated his career to ensuring financial stability and growth for the community. His passion for public service and commitment to the region’s prosperity has driven him to take this step towards mayoral candidacy.
Why are you running for mayor?
“I am running for mayor because I believe in the potential of Kempsey Shire to thrive and grow sustainably,” Mr Bedi said.
“Our community faces significant challenges, particularly in managing financial resources and protecting our valuable agricultural lands from encroachment.
“As mayor, I will prioritise transparent and responsible financial management, ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely to benefit our residents. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Kempsey Shire.
“I humbly ask for your support and vote in the upcoming election.”
Dean Francis Saul
Dean Saul has been deputy mayor for several years and regularly chairs council meetings. He was born and raised in the region.
Why are you running for mayor?
“The privilege of running for the office of mayor should not be taken lightly, but shown the due respect of the responsible job that it is. Knowing meeting procedures and protocols is fundamental in the role,” Mr Saul said.
“I have invested in business and property in the Macleay and want to see the shire prosper.
“I want better road conditions for safety of our residents, to keep our kids safe in their school buses through to the average driver trying to make a living.”
Simon Robert Allan Fergusson
Simon Fergusson is a current Kempsey councillor elected in 2021 with the aim of contributing a balanced view to decision making.
He lives on a small property at Toorooka, with his wife and two children.
Mr Fergusson grew up on an orchard and has lived and worked on farms most of his life. He attends ‘My Church’ at South West Rocks and is a member of the Willawarrin Rural Fire Service.
Why are you running for mayor?
As councillor I enjoyed being part of making decisions that were best for the community. I’ve tried bringing a balanced view to my decisions - I’m not coming with my own agendas or mind made up. I balance what my head says is right and my heart says is best.
I believe working together with community, councillors, staff and local members will bring the best outcome for all.
Kinne Ring
Kinne grew up in the area and has been a Kempsey councillor for the past two years.
Why are you running for mayor?
“We cannot continue along the path that we have seen in recent years that has led to our rate increases,” Ms Ring said.
“From focusing on maintaining our roads and community infrastructure to creating the right pathways to acquire the services we desperately need more of, I promise to drive responsible spending when it comes to your rates.
“Our population is growing, and we as council need to evolve with that growth.
“From housing to roads to better supporting our child care and aged care capabilities, I am focused on our immediate needs as well as our future.”
Those vying for the eight councillor positions are:
Group A – Independent: Alexandra Dianne Wyatt, Julie Anne Coburn, June Maree Wilson, Gail Margaret Ryan
Alexandra Wyatt
Ms Wyatt is a first time Councillor. She says she wants council to live within its means and its capacity without looking to residents and rate payers for more fees and charges.
Why should locals vote for you?
“I have a proven track record listening, acting and advocating for us – over 700 emails responding to community issues, 750 questions in council meetings and 12 notices of motion to get community issues you wanted addressed,” she said.
“Our team wants council to work out better ways to make sure more of us have a voice in decision making.
“We also want council to show us the money and explain the spending. We are already working to identify cost and productivity savings, interrogating the budget papers and identifying key performance indicators.”
GROUP B – Independent: Kinne Ring (group lead), Annette Lawrence, Adam Matchett and Tyrone Walker
Lead candidate Kinne Ring is outlined above, in the mayoral candidate section.
GROUP C – Independent: Dean Francis Saul, Christopher Scott Butterfield, Rebecca Dawn Clifford, Grant Steven Simpson, Tina Anne Carney
Lead candidate Dean Saul is outlined above, in the mayoral candidate section.
Group D – Greens: Arthur Bain, Michael Maurice Jones, Vicki Lee Taylor, Beris Patricia Derwent
Lead candidate Arthur Bain is outlined above, in the mayoral candidate section.
Group E - Independent: Noel Selby, Charanjit Singh Bedi, Richard Malcolm Pearson and Lindsay Neil Keay
Lead candidate Noel Selby says he is running because of the difficult financial situation council finds itself in.
He says council needs to look outside the box instead of just relying on rates as he believes they are doing now.
If elected he will improve community engagement and push for more appropriate and sustainable development.
Mr Selby will also advocate for the return of planning powers to local government.
He is keen to seek community ideas for new business and industrial enterprises and new cultural events to attract visitors.
UNGROUPED CANDIDATES
Troy Irwin
Dressed variously in gladiator outfit or gumboots – and vowing to “fight like a bag of cats for locals”, Troy Irwin is one of the more colourful characters running for election.
He says the best thing about him is his partner Mirasol, who works in aged care in the region.
Mr Irwin is a butcher by trade and has held positions including farm manager, truck driver and real estate agent.
Crime and the poor state of roads are both priorities for him if elected.
Stephen Anthony McNamara
Stephen McNamara says he is accountable, knowledgeable and un-corruptible.
Why should locals vote for you?
“I will listen to the residents, businesses and communities and use their input for decision-making,” Mr McNamara said.
“As an independent councillor with wide community experience, I’ll be promoting agriculture, tourism and new business opportunities for the region as these are essential for our long term community wealth.
“I will be ensuring that the council is accountable and sustainable so that our rates return the best possible outcomes for the whole Macleay Valley community.”
What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?
“Local employment and community wealth/health are just some issues that need urgent action from the local level to continue to build on and expand the capabilities of the Macleay Valley,” Mr McNamara said.
Trevor Martin
Mr Martin is 61 with three children all educated in the Kempsey Shire. He has run T & L Motors for nearly three years after racking up 40 years experience in the automotive industry. He rose from a trainee through to dealer principal, his current position.
Mr Martin also has qualifications in finance and small business management.
What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?
“There are so many issues and they all deserve our attention but an immediate problems I believe is the next 15 per cent rate rise. This needs to be addressed and fought to stop, or decrease,” Mr Martin said.
“Another pressing issue is council spending on projects that have not shown any return but have cost ratepayers money.
“Crime also needs to be addressed, and for council to get back to core responsibilities.”
Why should locals vote for you?
“Being my age, having a mortgage, being a single parent, renter, current business owner and now classed as a senior citizen, I believe I have the background and skills to serve the ratepayers of the shire.”
Ben Thomas Paix
Ben has been in business since 2008, operating Paix Plumbing and Excavation, and he has 27 years experience in construction. .
Mr Paix has been a retained firefighter with Kempsey Fire Rescue since 2013.
Why should locals vote for you?
“I am in the community daily and have been a community volunteer for more than 15 years, trying to make a difference, and I believe I can make that difference,” Mr Paix said.
“I want this valley to be an amazing place to live, raise a family, retire or run a business.
My business approach is simple – back to the basics of roads rubbish and rates.”
What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?
“Let’s improve the condition of our roads to a higher standard and clean up our town to improve pride and wellbeing. I propose a local amenity task force,” he said.
“This community needs a genuine multi sports and cultural centre and I will advocate for this strongly.”
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